Posted in Massachusetts Dining July 24, 2020 by

9 ‘Hole In The Wall’ Restaurants In Massachusetts That Truly Treat Your Tastebuds

Some restaurants aren’t all they’re cracked up to be, and some are way better than they look at first glance. These restaurants are of the latter breed. From tiny shacks serving up mouthwatering seafood to hidden local dives that will knock your taste buds right out, check out these great hole in the wall restaurants across Massachusetts.

1. Chef Wayne's Big Mamou On The Go, Springfield
Yelp/Jane M.
Yelp/Shawn H.
This place serves up authentic Louisiana fare for great prices. The restaurant is a little small and doesn't look like much from the outside, but the staff is incredibly helpful and willing to answer all your menu questions. Try the shrimp and sausage jambalaya (pictured) for a real Cajun treat. The blackened shrimp poboy sandwich (pictured) is also a good bet. To learn more, visit the official website for Chef Wayne's Big Mamou On The Go.
2. Pajer Superette, Agawam
Yelp/Dan R.
Yelp/Dan R.
This Italian grocery shop is one of the best places to grab a delicious sandwich in the Pioneer Valley. They're known for their insanely sized grinders – pictured is a SMALL sandwich, and it still measures nearly nine inches long and four inches across! They don't accept cards. Find the official Facebook of Pajer's Superette.
3. El Rincon Boricua Restaurant, Holyoke
Facebook/El Rincon Boricua Restaurant
Facebook/El Rincon Boricua Restaurant
Facebook/El Rincon Boricua Restaurant
This warm and cozy spot offers true Caribbean food at ridiculously cheap prices. They have a different special entree running every day of the week, which can be as cheap as $5! The lasagna todo los Martes (pictured) is quite cheap, too. In terms of authenticity, and quality, El Rincon cannot be beat. Browse the full menu at the official website of El Rincon Boricua.
4. Jack's Hot Dog Stand, North Adams
Yelp!/Rick G.
Flickr/Rob_rob2001
Jack's has been in business since 1917. Go here for classic hot dogs with real retro prices. Their hot/sweet sausage should definitely be on your plate. They also host the annual Jack's Hungry-Man Hot Dog Eating Contest, where participants can gorge themselves on delicious dogs. Check out the official website of Jack's Hot Dog Stand.
5. Carl’s Steak Subs, Waltham
Facebook/Carl's Steak Subs
Yelp/Brent M.
Yelp/Ali K.
Gigantic and tasty sandwiches, as far as the eye can see. That's Carl's Steak Subs in a nutshell. With sides like melted cheese french fries and some truly epic burritos, this place is a hidden gem that delivers big on portions and flavor. That huge sandwich pictured is the large Mexican steak and cheese sub. Learn more at the official website of Carl's Steaks.
6. Kool Kone, Wareham
Yelp/Isabella B.
Yelp/Morgan V.
This ice cream and food stand is a real throwback joint. The little shack may not look like much, but it serves up some of the best classic summer food around. The onion rings are huge, thin and perfectly crispy, while the ice cream tastes homemade. Visit the official website of Kool Kone.
7. Four Leaf Clover, Bernardston
Yelp/Heather T.
Facebook/Four Leaf Clover
Facebook/Four Leaf Clover
Simple food done well with plenty of heart. The Four Leaf Clover has been in business since 1949, and has been a local landmark since. While the interior may seem a little dated, the food more than makes up for its retro style. If you're craving a homey meal topped off with a decadent dessert, this is the place for you. Check out the official Facebook page of The Four Leaf Clover Restaurant.
8. Vick's Waffle House, Tewksbury
Yelp/Anne R.
Yelp/Chris P.
Waffles, anyone? This place has 'em. Waaaay better than IHOP, Vick's Waffle House serves up massive, buttery waffles in a cozy atmosphere. Try the Elvis waffle with peanut butter, bananas and bacon. The chicken-fried steak is also to die for. Peruse the full menu for Vic's Waffle House.
9. Spanky's Clam Shack, Hyannis
Yelp/Daniel R.
Yelp/Caligax L.
This place is fairly well-known among locals, but it sure doesn't look like much from the outside. Situated right on Hyannis Harbor, Spanky's serves up fresh seafood and crazy-good lobster rolls in a classic Cape Cod atmosphere. Check out the official website of Spanky's Clam Shack.

What are your favorite hole in the wall restaurants in Massachusetts? Let us know! On the hunt for some hidden gems? Here are 12 hidden gems in Massachusetts to add to your bucket list.

Address: 400 Cooper St, Agawam, MA 01001, USA
Address: 216 Lyman St, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA
Address: 12 Eagle St, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Address: 55 Prospect St, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
Address: 374 Marion Rd, Wareham, MA 02571, USA
Address: 19 South St, Bernardston, MA 01337, USA
Address: 283 Old Main St, Tewksbury, MA 01876, USA
Address: 138 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601, USA
Address: 350 Worthington St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

hole in the wall restaurants in Massachusetts

August 07, 2020
Beth Price-Williams

Which restaurants in Massachusetts look like nothing from the outside but have great food?

Hidden gem restaurants in Massachusetts are often the most unassuming, the ones without the frills that you’d probably pass by if you didn’t know they were there. Santiago’s Family Restaurant in Westfield, for example, serves some of the best Puerto Rican food that you’ll find outside of Puerto Rico. Definitely try the roast pork. White Hut, in West Springfield, closed for a brief period, but it’s back and better than ever before. You can’t go wrong with a burger, a cheeseburger, or a hot dog from the classic burger joint. Make sure you also try their famous fried onions.

Where can I find the best burgers in Massachusetts?

When you’re hungry, you just can’t go wrong with a thick, juicy burger, and you’ll find some of the best in Massachusetts. For a classic burger from a roadside shack, head over to The Knack in Cape Cod. The nostalgic burger shack serves some of the best burgers in Massachusetts as well as tasty tacos and fresh lobster rolls. KKatie’s Burger Bar in Plymouth just might be one of the best local restaurants in Massachusetts to grab a burger. Just be prepared because the burgers are huge, so huge you might not even be able to fit the whole thing in your mouth. Pair that mighty burger with curly fries or onion rings for a perfect meal.

Are there any waterfront restaurants in Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is brimming with gorgeous waterfront restaurants that serve scrumptious food. For a truly unforgettable experience, head over to Bay Pointe Waterfront Restaurant in Quincy, which boasts some of the most spectacular sunsets you’ll likely ever see. The waterfront restaurant in Massachusetts serves a selection of steak and seafood, including pan-seared scallops, North American salmon, and prime rib. You might also want to try the juicy burger.

Address: 400 Cooper St, Agawam, MA 01001, USA
Address: 216 Lyman St, Holyoke, MA 01040, USA
Address: 12 Eagle St, North Adams, MA 01247, USA
Address: 55 Prospect St, Waltham, MA 02453, USA
Address: 374 Marion Rd, Wareham, MA 02571, USA
Address: 19 South St, Bernardston, MA 01337, USA
Address: 283 Old Main St, Tewksbury, MA 01876, USA
Address: 138 Ocean St, Hyannis, MA 02601, USA
Address: 350 Worthington St, Springfield, MA 01103, USA